ROSE DE RESCHT, OLD GARDEN ROSE
The spotlight this month is on a beautiful cerise colored Portland rose (read OGR) called Rose de Rescht. This rose gives new meaning to the expression "Everything old is new again", or vice versa; and in many ways, it is a mystery in the world of old garden roses.
As part of my research, I inquired of esteemed rose expert and historian Bob Martin about the history of this fascinating rose; and he passed along some enlightening information. First of all, I discovered that "Rescht" is a provincial capital in Persia (Iran). Bob directed me to the classic book, The Old Rose Advisor, in which author Brent Dickerson speculates that this rose was brought from France to Rescht circa 1807 during the French rapprochement and that it is possibly the red 'Toul-les-Mois'. It was rediscovered in Iran by Miss Nancy Lindsay, an English garden writer and plant collector, in 1945 after the Second World War and was brought back to the United Kingdom, where it was re-introduced in 1950.
This is obviously an older rose, but its original introducer and date of introduction are unknown, making it one of the wonderful mysteries of the Old Garden Rose history. It has been considered by some to be a damask and was originally marketed in America as such , but is now listed in Modern Roses XI as a Portland. But whatever its ancestry, its contribution to the garden as well as the show table is considerable. R ose exhibitors now show this rose as a Portland with a date of introduction "~1950" (circa 1950), although i t has actually been around for a lot longer. It is shown in the Victorian Class, where it has been the dominant show rose in that class, winning 375 trophies in the past 13 years.
Probably the most striking thing about this petite OGR is the color. The ARS classifies it as a deep pink (dp), and it literally leaps out at you in the garden despite its diminutive size. The bloom is not very large compared to some of the roses we know, measuring up to two and a half inches inches across and consisting of up to 100 petals. These old-fashioned, fully double blooms produce pompon-like form that looks like a very full rosette, reflexing into a ball of intense fuchsia-crimson. Blooms are borne in clusters, but can be effectively disbudded for one bloom per stem, should that be your preference.
The growth habit of Rose de Rescht is upright, and compact, a tidy and well-shaped bush that will gradually grow to be about three or four feet high and wide. As such, it is a wonderful choice for smaller gardens. It is also an excellent choice to grow in a pot of 15 gallon size or larger. Stem length is relatively short, averaging about 10 inches more or less, but lending excellent balance and proportion to the petite blooms. The foliage on Rose de Rescht is dense, vigorous and abundant. The deep pink rosette blossoms are set closely against the medium green foliage, which frames each rose perfectly to give the impression of a leafy collar or what is known as a "high shouldered" look.
A special feature of this rose is called remontance, the name for the characteristic in plants that permits them to rebloom. This refers to a plant that blooms two or more times in a season, either in distinct phases or after a rest period. This is a particularly desirable characteristic in an Old Garden Rose, many of which are "once bloomers" and only flower once a year. The Portland rose has the distinction of being the first family of roses that had a repeat flowering habit. Rose de Rescht is a prolific spring bloomer with good reliable repeat blooms throughout the year. If the plant is deadheaded or periodically pruned back, rebloom is even better; and it is often said to always be in bloom.
Rose de Rescht is relatively shade tolerant, and will bloom well in partial shade or filtered light. It also has fair to good disease resistance, although it can be susceptible to powdery mildew from time to time. In addition, when the weather turns hot, the spider mites really love this rose. These problems can of course be controlled by the judicious use of a water wand and a regular spray program.
Last but not least, perhaps the most captivating quality about this little gem of a rose is its intense damask fragrance. Its enticing scent is exceptional in quality and pure old rose. Thanks to this sweet and rich perfume, complete with subtle undertones of Musk, these little pompons are often found in the "Most Fragrant" division at rose shows.
In closing, it is easy to see why the beautiful Rose de Rescht is one that is often recommended to people who are contemplating buying their very first Old Garden Rose. It is quite literally the antique rose of choice for beginners. It is easy to grow, trouble free, well behaved, hardy and lovely to behold. Few other Old Garden Roses compare with this one for repeat growth habit, compact size, ease of care, eye-catching color and enchanting fragrance. It is an outstanding example of the Portland class and an absolute must for the gardens of all lovers of Heritage roses.
© Copyright 2009-2012 Suzanne Horn. All rights reserved. Published with permission.
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